OBC Building Structural study plan

Classify each of the principal load types (dead, live, snow, wind, seismic, earth) by source and by how the governing code treats it, producing a written comparison table

Compute tributary areas and load paths for three simple framing layouts, showing how gravity loads travel from slab to beam to column to foundation

Distinguish strength-level from service-level load combinations and state which combination set applies to which design check

Calculate a design snow load from ground snow load, exposure, thermal, and slope factors, and explain each factor's physical meaning

Derive design wind pressure step by step from basic wind speed through exposure, topographic, gust, and pressure coefficients

Determine seismic base shear for a simple regular building using the equivalent lateral force procedure, and identify where each coefficient enters

Explain the difference between allowable stress design and load and resistance factor design, and convert a given demand between the two formats

Identify irregularities (plan, vertical, torsional) that trigger stricter analysis requirements and describe the consequence of each

Build shear, moment, and deflection diagrams for simply supported, cantilever, and continuous beams under combined dead and live load

Apply approximate analysis methods for continuous beams and justify when each approximation is acceptable

Design a singly reinforced rectangular concrete beam for flexure, checking minimum and maximum reinforcement limits

Check a concrete beam for shear and specify stirrup spacing that satisfies the code requirements

Size a spread footing for a given column load using service-level loads, checking bearing pressure, sliding, and overturning

Compute allowable bearing capacity adjustments for footing width and embedment depth, and explain the basis for each adjustment

Describe how soil type and groundwater condition change the choice between shallow and deep foundation systems

Explain how seismic and wind lateral loads are transferred to the foundation and what detailing resists uplift and overturning

Detail a reinforced concrete column with ties, including splice location and confinement requirements, and justify each detailing choice

Check a concrete slab for one-way versus two-way behavior and select an appropriate design approach

Design an unreinforced or reinforced masonry wall for out-of-plane wind load, checking allowable flexural stress

Specify masonry grouting, reinforcement placement, and anchorage details that satisfy code minimums

Design a wood joist and a wood beam for bending, shear, and deflection, applying all applicable adjustment factors and stating why each applies

Check a wood connection (bolted or nailed) for lateral capacity and identify which yield mode governs

Select and size a steel beam using the applicable section property for the limit state that controls

Compare how wood, steel, and masonry differ in ductility, fire behavior, and connection philosophy, and state one design consequence of each difference

Evaluate a connection detail for load path continuity, and identify any missing link between members

Determine required fire resistance for a given occupancy and element, and select a protection method that achieves it

Assemble a complete design basis document for a hypothetical small building: occupancies, loads, combinations, and governing limit states

Audit your own earlier work for unit errors and load-combination mistakes, and correct them

Re-solve one problem from each of the three heaviest domains under timed conditions without notes

Rank your weakest sub-topics by observed error rate and produce a targeted review list

State from memory the load combinations, the wind and seismic coefficient definitions, and the foundation stability criteria

Explain aloud, in under two minutes each, five core concepts spanning loads, lateral analysis, and geotechnical behavior